Win(e)ding off the beaten track: Matosevic and Simcic in 48 hours

Last week Bancroft's Alex and Neb headed to Croatia and Slovenia with a group of trusty, enthusiastic, wine-trade clients. Over 48 hours they visited our esteemed producers Marjan Simcic and Ivica Matosevic. 

Here's more of what they got up to. Alex Harper reports...

This was a wine trip like no other. It would take us through 3 countries in 48 hours visiting the lesser known premium production regions of Goriska Brda in Slovenia and Istria in Croatia. It was to prove to be a lesson in passion, art, and for our part, endurance as first Marjan, and then Ivica opened their arms and their wine cellars to us with exceptional generosity.

Sommelier trip to Slovenia and Croatia - day Two

9 am Monday morning, a few sleepy but smiley faces- we were all still digesting what was an incredible marathon of superb Slovenian food and even better wines. We all had a different favourite Simcic wine from the last night that underlines the sheer quality that runs throughout his range. Joao was impressed with the Opoka Sauvignon, Isa with that ultimate sweetie Leonardo, Colin and Neil could not resist Opoka Merlot, David was drawn in between red and white Teodor and Igor found Chardonnay Selection irresistible. Still we were unanimous that there is no compromise in the quality of Marjan's organic and biodynamic wines. Marjan's unparalleled passion coupled with the great potential of his Collio/Brda terroir help to produce really exceptional wines.

A few double espressos later we were on our way to the neighbouring Istrian Peninsula to visit Croatian star winemaker Ivica Matosevic. Not completely intentionally (we missed the right turn!), our journey lead us through the swathes of unspoilt forests and hills of Slovenia and Croatia. These are the famous hunting grounds full of pheasants, wild boars and deer. Istria is also famous for truffles and if we add oysters and fresh fish from the Adriatic, it is no wonder that this area is fast becoming one of the gastronomic hot spots of Europe.

Slovenia and Croatia Trip in pictures - Part 2 Vina Matosevic, Croatia

Day two of their tasting trip and the team are off to Croatia to visit Vina Matosevic. The photo story is narrated by Neb Gusic, director.

5 hours later and we leave Slovenia.  After a few hours in the car, we are at Matosevic's in Istria, Croatia.

He greets us properly – with the glass of wine.

Slovenia and Croatia Trip in pictures - Part 1 Marjan Simcic, Slovenia

Neb Gusic shares his photos from his memorable trip to Slovenia and Croatia visiting Marjan Simcic and Vina Matosevic with a group of clients.

We arrive at Goriska Brda, Slovenia

Sommelier Trip to Slovenia and Croatia, by Neil McAndrew

Slovenia and Croatia in 36 hours was always going to be a tall order but we are all ready to go and looking forward to an incredible trip. We are taking a group of clients to see Marjan Simcic and Matosevic in Croatia. The group includes myself and Neb, Isa Bal (Head Sommelier, Fat Duck), Joao Pires (Head Sommelier, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal), Jacques Savary De Beauregard  (Head Sommelier, Home House), Colin Manning (Owner, 60 Hope Street Liverpool), Igor Sotric (Head Sommelier, China Tang at Dorchester) and David Seccombe (General Manager, Christopher’s Covent Garden).